Liana Pozza

What did you major in?
Environmental Biology

What motivated you to study this degree?
I attended UTS Open day in my last year of high school and spoke to one of the academics that teaches in the degree, that was when I first thought of studying environmental science. I made my final decision just before I started uni and I haven't looked back since.

What do you enjoy most about your degree?
The practical aspect of it-we do similar procedures to that used in the environmental profession such as water testing, soil testing and have even learnt how to safely capture animals for observation.

I also love how many of the lecturers are passionate about what they teach and how they are always willing to help. For example, we were looking at algae samples from Manly Dam under a microscope and I found a species I didn't know, I called the teacher over and he was so happy to help me identify the species.

Why did you choose to study at UTS?
The main reason I chose UTS was because it is close to transport and I had heard about its large practical components in its science courses.

Also I liked how it was in the city- I have always lived out in the suburbs, so I liked the idea of 'city life'.

What is it like to study at UTS Science?
I find it to be fun, especially the field trips as we get to see parts of the world from a more educated perspective- we get taught why certain landscapes are the way they are.

It can be pretty crazy sometimes though, lecture timetables can fill up your week depending on your subjects and assignments can sometimes overwhelm. However if you enjoy what you're doing, it shouldn't be a problem as I believe people do better in their subjects if they enjoy it.

Is there any advice you would give to students studying this degree?
Get experience before you job hunt at the end of the degree. Often from what I've found is that employers prefer to hire people if they have more experience. A way to do this is by asking lecturers if they know of any researchers at UTS that need help with lab or field work, as researchers often need volunteers.

If you are struggling with a concept or with the subject as a whole, there are many people to turn to for help. Lecturers and practical demonstrators are always willing to help students and there are often peer tutoring schemes available for various subjects.

Another thing I recommend is not to start assignments at the last minute, as they often end up taking more time than originally thought.

What would you like to do once you complete by your degree
I am not 100% sure yet, however I do love to learn, so I may continue on to do Honours or a Masters degree. I try not to plan too far ahead as there are often opportunities popping up in places I had never thought of working in before.

What other activities do you participate/do at uni?
I am a Peer Networker: we help run Orientation at the beginning of semester, making new students feel welcome; we also run other events throughout the year such as the InFusion Festival- a time to celebrate the multicultural atmosphere at UTS.